PHOTO COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA – Former University of Minnesota All-Americans Janel McCarville, left and Lindsay Whalen (#3) joined freshman Jackie Johnson, second from left and senior Leah Cotton during a team practice at Williams Arena in Minneapolis on Tuesday March 5, 2013. (Photo courtesy Sarah Turcotte/University of Minnesota)

Gophers women’s basketball coach Pam Borton wishes she could suit up the two guest scout team members who dominated practice Tuesday, March 5. But former University of Minnesota All-Americans Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville ran out of eligibility years ago.

That didn’t stop the Minnesota Lynx’s new inside-outside tandem from working out with their former program. Seeing them maroon and gold, Borton couldn’t help but flash back to her team’s run to the 2004 Final Four.

“It just really makes you take a walk down memory lane,” she said.

Whalen and McCarville also inspired the Gophers (18-12, 7-9), who open the Big Ten tournament against Ohio State (17-12, 7-9) on Thursday in Hoffman Estates, Ill.

“I don’t know if Janel has practiced with us since she’s left; maybe one other time,” Borton said. “Lindsay comes back and practices every year. I think it’s great, having them back here with the Lynx, having them back here at practice.

“They both wore the practice gear. They wanted to be part of the team.”

McCarville, the No. 1 pick in the 2005 WNBA draft, was acquired by the Lynx last week through a sign-and-trade deal with the Tulsa Shock. She and Whalen, who were not available for interviews Tuesday, haven’t played together since leading Minnesota to the Final Four in the 2003-04 season.

The U greats participated in drills and pushed the Gophers in a scrimmage while also giving advice on different aspects of the game.

“We had to guard them; they’re very good, and it was definitely tough,” sophomore guard Rachel Banham said. “I talked to Lindsay about going off ball screens, because that’s something I really need to work on. And it’s something she’s the best at. She told me, ‘Keep going at them. Draw fouls and get to the line.’ ”

I look into the future and I’m like. ‘Wow, maybe one day I can come back and grace a younger team with my presence, too.’ “

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